Savings scams have multiplied in recent months, especially on the Internet. A pension paid the price by transferring 500,000 euros to a fake online bank, which has since remained unreachable. The Prudential Control and Resolution Authority has created a blacklist of unauthorized sites offering investments.
Ukraine, scams are increasing, especially on the Internet. More and more scammers are taking advantage of the vulnerability of certain interlocutors to offer them risky investments, or even totally fake. This is the case of Batrice, a retired 83-year-old questioned by TF1 as part of a report for his JT 20 Hours, Monday, May 16.
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The octognaire thus confided 500000 euros an online bank that promised him 3.30% interest. The establishment presented itself as a Dutch structure, with offices set up in France. Retirement was therefore unsuspecting and entrusted the money collected after a real estate sale to this bank, which in reality was not one.
Because a few days after making the transfer, no more answer on the phone, impossible to enter the customer area, confides Batrice to our colleagues. The latter decided to file a complaint against her own bank, which did not verify the authenticity of the company before validating the transfer of 500,000 euros.
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It’s very well done
On its website, the Banque de France warns about these savings scams. An unbeatable rate savings account? With a return much higher than those usually offered by banks? Without any risk? And available anytime? Beware of promises that are too good to be true!, advises the institution. It’s very well done, nevertheless explains TF1 Guy Grandgirard, president of the Consumers Association of France (ADC). You come across a person who is a specialist and who is able to talk to you for hours about the product he has to sell, continues the expert.
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A blacklist
The Prudential Control and Resolution Authority (ACPR) regularly updates a blacklist unauthorized sites or entities offering investments. In the event of damage suffered, the Banque de France recommends alerting its own banking establishment to recall the funds paid. It is important to list all the exchanges established with the scammer in order to pay them in the event of legal action. It is also important to file a complaint quickly with the police or the gendarmerie. Officers ofINFO SCAMS can also be reached on 0805805817 (free service and call from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.).
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